Flexible packaging bag with visual display feature

ABSTRACT

A flexible packaging bag is provided for containing a plurality of articles. Each of the articles has a component which is desirably visible to a user, purchaser, or the like. The flexible packaging bag includes a window in one of its walls that has a periphery substantially framing the graphic that is desired to be seen. A visual cue can be provided in another wall such that it is visually associated with the window in order to draw the attention of the user, purchaser, or the like to the graphic of the visible article. An accessory window is also provided in the flexible packaging bag so that the number of remaining articles can be easily determined visually.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to flexible packaging bags forcontaining and dispensing articles. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a flexible packaging bag having a visual displayfeature permitting selected portions of the contained articles to bevisually perceivable.

[0002] Packaging bags composed of flexible polymer materials have beenused for packaging various types of products, such as infant diapers,training pants, feminine care products, and adult incontinence garments.These bags allow packaging of the articles to create a carton-like lookand a configuration facilitating transportation and display on retailshelves. The bags may include handles to facilitate the carrying of thebags, and can include mechanisms for providing an access opening in thepackage.

[0003] In order to inform the consumer of the contents of a particularbag, the material of which the bag is made is printed with writteninformation, illustrations, or the like appropriate for the particulararticles. Generally, the material of which the bag is made will beprinted with a background color, and upon this background color will befurther printed an illustration of the contained articles andterminology describing the article, its use, the manufacturer, or thelike.

[0004] One of the problems with the current printing of these bags isthat they may not be truly representative of the actual productcontained therein. This can have the undesirable effect of decreasingthe credibility of the consumer in the product's structure, and thus itsperformance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In response to the discussed difficulties and problemsencountered in the prior art, a flexible packaging bag having a visualdisplay feature has been discovered.

[0006] In one form of the invention there is provided a packaging baghaving a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall, and abottom wall; all of the walls defining an interior space. A stack ofarticles are contained in the interior space, and each of the articlesincludes a front panel and a back panel with a graphic on one of thepanels. One of the walls has a window having a periphery substantiallyframing at least a portion of the graphic.

[0007] In another form of the present invention there is provided apackaging bag having a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a topwall, and a bottom wall, all of which define an interior space. A stackof articles are contained in the interior space. A window substantiallywraps around four of the walls, and at least a segment of a component ofthe articles is visually perceivable through the window.

[0008] In yet another form of the present invention there is provided apackaging bag having a plurality of walls forming a polyhedral enclosurehaving an interior space. A stack of articles is contained in theinterior space, and each of the articles has a component associatedtherewith. At least a portion of one of the walls is at leastsubstantially clear, and the stack of articles are positioned in theinterior space so that at least a segment of the component is visuallyperceivable through the substantially clear portion.

[0009] In still yet another form of the invention there is provided apackaging bag having a substantially transparent enclosure defined by aplurality of sides forming an interior space. A stack of articles arecontained in the interior space, and each article has a front panel anda back panel. At least one of the panels of each article includes agraphic thereon. A mechanism is provided for accessing the interiorspace for dispensing the articles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The above-mentioned and other features of the present inventionand the manner of attaining them will become more apparent, and theinvention itself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

[0011]FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one article having a graphicthereon;

[0012]FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of another article having agraphic thereon;

[0013]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one bag of the presentinvention;

[0014]FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a stack of articles;

[0015]FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second bag of thepresent invention;

[0016]FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a third bag of the presentinvention;

[0017]FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a fourth bag of the presentinvention;

[0018]FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a fifth bag of the presentinvention;

[0019]FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a sixth bag of the presentinvention;

[0020]FIG. 10 illustrates a bag that has been opened to expose theinterior space and the articles contained therein;

[0021]FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a seventh bag of thepresent invention; and

[0022]FIG. 12 illustrates an eighth bag of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a child's disposable absorbent trainingpant, in which the term “disposable” means that the training pant isdesigned to be used until soiled and then discarded, rather than beingwashed and being reused again. Examples of other suitable disposableabsorbent articles that can be used with the flexible packaging bag ofthe present invention include, but are not limited to, disposableabsorbent pants, diapers, feminine care products, incontinence products,disposable apparel, or the like. Hereafter, when used with reference to,by way of example, a disposable training pant, the term “component” canrefer, but is not limited, to all or a segment of a designated selectedregion, such as edges, corner s, sides or the like; structural memberssuch as elastic strips, absorbent pads, elastic layers or panels, layersof material, or the like; or a graphic. The term “graphic” can refer,but is not limited, to an image, design, pattern, symbology, indicia, orthe like.

[0024] A disposable absorbent article, such as the training pantillustrated in FIGS. 1 or 2, can have multiple appearance-related and/orfunction-related components. Examples of components that areappearance-related include, but are not limited to, graphics; thehighlighting or emphasizing of leg and waist openings in order to makeproduct shaping more evident or visible; the highlighting or emphasizingof areas of the article to simulate functional components such aselastic leg bands, elastic waistbands, simulated “fly openings” forboys, or ruffles for girls; the highlighting of areas of the product tochange the appearance of the size of the product; selectively positionedwetness indicators; back labels or front labels; and selectivelypositioned written instructions at a desired location on the article.

[0025] Examples of functional components include, but are not limitedto, waist elastics, leg elastics, areas of breathability, fluidrepellent areas, fluid wettable areas, adhesives, coatings, encapsulatedinks, chemically-sensitive materials, environmentally-sensitivematerials, heat-sensitive materials, moisture-sensitive materials,perfumes, odor control agents, inks, fasteners, fluid storage areas,textured or embossed areas, or the like.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a child'sdisposable training pant 10 generally comprising a front panel 12, aback panel 14, a crotch panel 16 interconnecting front and back panels12, 14, and a pair of elastic side panels 18. Each elastic side panel 18is formed from two separate elastic portions and are suitably joinedtogether, such as by ultrasonic bonding, to form a side seam 20. Uponthe construction of side seams 20, a waist opening 22 and leg openings24 are formed. The side seams 20 may be constructed to be manuallytearable in order to allow training pant 10 to be disassembled manuallyby the caregiver, so that it can be easily removed from the child aftera bowel movement. A more detailed description of the construction anddesign of the above-described training pant 10 can be found in U.S. Pat.No. 4,940,464, the contents of which are incorporated by referenceherein. One specific manner of supplying elastic side panels 18 isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,405 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,116,both of which are incorporated by reference herein. The provision ofside seams 20 can be accomplished in the manner described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,046,272 which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0027] Training pant 10 further comprises a front waist elastic 26,suitably joined to front panel 12, a back waist elastic 28 suitablyjoined to back panel 14, leg elastics 30 suitably positioned in crotchpanel 16, and an absorbent pad ) positioned between a liquid impermeableouter cover or backsheet 34 and a liquid permeable liner or topsheet 36.A graphic 38 is selectively positioned on front panel 12, and asillustrated comprises a design of a simulated “fly opening” 40, typicalof a male's underwear, along with a rainbow, sun, clouds, and cars. Thegraphic 38 can be any type of desired pattern, artistic feature, or thelike, and is desired to be positioned in the article at a selectedlocation.

[0028]FIG. 2 illustrates another training pant 42 that can be typicallyused for young girls. This training pant 40 includes a graphic 44representative of the different types of appearance-related componentsthat can be included in a disposable absorbent article. The graphic 44includes simulated waist ruffles 46, simulated leg ruffles 48, alongwith a rainbow, sun, clouds, wagon, and balloon. Again, any suitablegraphic can be utilized so as to convey an aesthetically and/orfunctionally pleasing appearance to the user and caregiver.

[0029] Referring primarily to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a flexiblepackaging bag 50 having a polyhedral shape defining or forming apolyhedral enclosure. Specifically, bag 50 has a hexahedral shape thatforms or defines a hexahedral enclosure. Bag 50 is defined by a pair ofend walls 52, a pair of side walls 54, a top wall 56, and a bottom wall58. Each of the walls has a periphery, such as periphery 62 for an endwall 52. The walls 52, 54, 56, 58 define an interior space 60 (FIG. 10)for containing a compressed stack 64 (FIG. 4) of articles, such astraining pants 10. The term “compressed articles” or similar terminologywill mean that the stack of articles, such as training pants 10 in FIG.4, are compressed inwardly by a compression force at their front andback surfaces or panels, such as front panel 12 and back panel 14, in adirection parallel to stack direction 66 (FIG. 4), so as to decrease thelength dimension 68 of the originally, uncompressed articles. Thecompressed stack 64 also includes a width dimension 70 and a heightdimension 72. The term “compression packed” or similar terminologydescribes the state or condition of training pants 10 after they havebeen compressed and inserted into bag 50. The term “expansion force” orsimilar terminology refers to that generally equal force exerted by thecompressed stack 64 in a direction generally opposite and parallel tothe compression force and against primarily end walls 52. Naturally, allof the walls of bag 50 experience some degree of tension.

[0030] Bag 50 may be composed of different materials, or may be composedof substantially the same type of materials. Typically, the material isa polymer film which is sufficiently flexible to assume a desired,generally hexahedral shape when bag 50 is substantially filled withtraining pants 10. In addition, the material should have sufficientstrength to hold and contain the training pants 10, or other articles,without breaking and without excessive bulging or stretching of the filmmaterial. For example, the film material may be composed of apolyethylene film or film laminate having a thickness of about 2.5 mils(about 0.0635 millimeters). Other examples include a LDPE (low densitypolyethylene) film, a LDPE/LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) filmlaminate, a LDPE/MDPE (medium density polyethylene) film laminate, aLDPE/HDPE (high density polyethylene) film laminate or the like.Naturally, the dimensions of bag 50 will depend upon the types ofarticles to be contained therein as well as the desired or aestheticallypreferred shape. A suitable bag, and its method of construction, isillustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,687, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein.

[0031] Bag 50 further includes a means, in at least one of the walls,for accessing the interior space 60 (FIG. 10) for dispensing thetraining pants 10 therefrom. The means for accessing can be a frangibleline that is easily broken. A frangible line 74 (FIG. 3) can be disposedor manufactured at any position or location on bag 50 that would permitdispensing training pants 10 therefrom. As illustrated in FIG. 3,frangible line 74 is partially located in one side wall 54, continuesunderneath along bottom wall 58, and then upwardly along the oppositeside wall 54 about the same distance as in the other side wall 54. Thisis also illustrated in FIG. 10 where frangible line 74 has been torn inorder to provide an opening 76 for accessing and dispensing trainingpants 10. Frangible line 74 may, for example, be provided by partiallycutting or otherwise thinning through the thickness of the bag materialin a predetermined pattern, providing a selected pattern of perforationsalong the desired sections or walls of the bag, providing a desiredpattern of stress-fatigue weakening along a desired line of the bag, orthe like. As illustrated, frangible line 74 is provided by a line ofperforations in which there can be approximately 2-10 perforations perlineal inch.

[0032] Referring now primarily to FIG. 4, each training pant 10 has beenfolded such that the elastic side panels 18 (FIG. 1) are inwardlydisposed between front panel 12 and back panel 14. As illustrated inFIG. 4, each training pant 10 generally defines opposing side edges 78,a top edge 80, a bottom edge 82, opposing face surfaces 84 (only one ofwhich is illustrated in FIG. 4), and a periphery 86. When the pants arecompression packed in bag 50, surfaces 84 face along stack direction 66.Accordingly, the top edges 80 (as viewed in FIG. 4) of training pants 10contact bottom wall 58, the bottom edges 82 of the training pants 10contact the top wall 56 of bag 50, the side edges 78 of the trainingpants 10 contact the bag side walls 54, and the outermost face surface84 of the end training pants 10 contact end walls 52. Note that thebottom edge 82 of a training pant 10 in FIG. 4 corresponds to the waistopening 22 (FIG. 1).

[0033] With reference primarily to FIGS. 3 and 10, bag 50 is opened bybreaking frangible line 74 to gain access via opening 76 to trainingpants 10. Typically, the separation of frangible line 74 is initiated bybreaking a portion thereof, and then propagating the break or tear alongfrangible line 74 through bottom wall 58 and those portions of sidewalls 54 into which frangible line 74 is manufactured. By thus breakingfrangible line 74, the user can insert a finger or thumb through opening76 in order to gain access to training pants 10. Thereafter, the usercan grasp the top of a training pant 10 and pull it out of bag 50, whilethe remaining training pants 10 are maintained within the confines orinterior space 60.

[0034] Referring primarily to FIG. 3, bag 50 further includes a window88 disposed or positioned within a portion of end wall 52. Window 88includes a window periphery 90 that has a shape that is substantiallysimilar to the periphery of end wall 52. Window 88 at leastsubstantially frames a component of the training pants 10 containedwithin bag 50. In FIG. 3, the component framed by window 88 is a portionor segment of graphic 38, which is visually perceivable through window88. Training pant 10 also could have another graphic on back panel 14,and in this case, it may be desirable to have that graphic on back panel14 visually perceivable through the end wall 52 opposite from the endwall 52 that has window 88 framing graphic 38. In this case, theopposite end wall, i.e., that end wall not visible in FIG. 3, would alsohave a window.

[0035] Depending upon the type of articles to be contained in bag 50,and the components, such as graphics, of those articles, it may bedesirable to have a window in a different wall from end walls 52. Forexample, should a stack of articles be packaged in a differentorientation in bag 50, then one of the side walls 54, or the top wall 56or the bottom wall 58, can have a window to permit a component to bevisually perceived therethrough.

[0036] In referring to window 88 framing a component, such as graphic38, the term “framing”, “substantially framing”, or variations thereof,means that the window periphery surrounds or encompasses all or at leasta portion of the component for visual display. Within the context ofthis description, a component is visually perceivable if it is clear orsubstantially clear to the person viewing it. The term “clear” refers tothe material capability of transmitting light so that the component, ora portion thereof, can be seen as clearly as if there were nointervening material between the component and the individual. The term“substantially clear” refers to the capability of transmitting light,but causing sufficient diffusion of the light to eliminate perception ofdistinct images, shapes, forms, or the like.

[0037] The present invention thus provides the feature of permitting auser, caregiver, or the like, to visually see or perceive a component,or a portion thereof, of the article that they are purchasing, which isparticularly desirable when the articles are packaged in a bag. Thepurchaser also can see or determine the size of the article, therebyproviding a degree of confidence in proper fit. This provides productvisibility at the time of purchase which is important both to the userand caregiver. For example, when bag 50 contains training pants 10, achild can see the gender-specific graphic, as well as the specificproduct being selected. This provides the child with a sense ofownership and an active role in the toilet training process. This isextremely important in encouraging the child to become toilet trained.Equally important is that the caregiver can see a desirable feature orcomponent of the product. For example, if a training pant 10 has aunique outer cover that is, for example, both cloth-like in texture andincludes a unique design or graphic, then the caregiver can have a highdegree of confidence in the product being selected for purchase.

[0038] In manufacturing packaging bags, such as bag 50, for containingand dispensing articles, such as training pants 10, it is customary toprint the bag material, either on its outermost surface or its innermostsurface, with a color, illustrations, written instructions, source ofmanufacture, or the like. In this description, the term “background” orvariations thereof will refer to the surrounding, primarily discernibleor perceivable color or ink image printed on the bag 50. For example, iftraining pants 10 are manufactured as gender-specific pants, such astraining pant 10 in FIG. 1 and training pant 42 in FIG. 2, then bag 50can have a background color of blue for boys, and pink for girls. Inthis case, the surrounding, primarily perceivable or discernible colorwould be the blue or pink. The term “copy” will refer to writtenindicia, numbers, letters, symbols, artistic images or patterns, or thelike. Generally, copy is either printed over the background, or overareas of the bag 50 not printed with background. In the example above ofa background being a blue color for boys, the blue colored bag 50 couldhave a printed illustration of the training pant, along with otherillustrations and written instructions for proper use. Similarly, a pinkcolored bag 50 could have an illustration of the girl's training pant,as well as instructions on proper use. The term “substantiallytransparent” refers to that portion of bag 50, or all of bag 50, that isfree of background, but which may have copy. An example of this would beone of the walls of bag 50 being free of background, but includingprinted written instructions for use.

[0039] Referring primarily to FIG. 3, bag 50 includes copy 92illustrated as generally horizontal lines. That portion of bag 50outside of copy 92 can have a background, such as a printed blue or pinkcolor earlier described. Consequently, in viewing end wall 52 havingwindow 88, an individual would visually see a background 94, for examplea blue or pink color; copy 92, which could be written instructions orother data; and window 88 through which graphic 38 can be visuallyperceived.

[0040] In some instances of arranging bags 50 on a shelf for retailpurposes, it may not be practical to orient the bags 50 so that windows88 are visible. In this instance, for example, bags 50 might be orientedon the shelf space such that one of the side walls 54 is visible. Inorder to draw attention to end wall 52 having window 88 with graphic 38viewable therethrough, a visual cue 96 is disposed or arranged in atleast one of the side walls 54. Visual cue 96 is at least substantiallyclear, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, has the shape of, by way ofexample, a lightening bolt. It should be noted that for purposes ofexplanation and clarity, visual cue 96 does not show the side edges 78(FIG. 4) of the individual training pants 10 contained therein. Once aviewer sees visual cue 96, his or her attention will be drawn to the endwall 52, so that a component, such as a graphic 38, of an article, suchas a training pant 10, can be visually perceived. Visual cue 96 also canserve as a product-remaining indicator or gauge, so that a caregiver caneasily determine the number of pants 10 remaining in bag 50.

[0041] Visual cue 96 may or may not be continuous with window 88. Inother words, as illustrated in FIG. 3, visual cue 96 and window 88 forma closed loop pattern or periphery. However, it may be desirable formanufacturing, printing, or packaging purposes to have visual cue 96 andwindow 88 provided as separate areas of visibility. In the latter case,visual cue 96 still serves to draw the attention to window 88 andgraphic 38. Thus, visual cue 96 is visually associated with window 88 todraw attention of the purchaser, user, or the like, to window 88 andgraphic 38.

[0042] Continuing to refer primarily to FIG. 3, bag 50 further includesan accessory window 98 in top wall 56. Due to the particularconstruction of bag 50, top wall 56 includes a top gusset 100, whilebottom wall 58 includes a bottom gusset 102. This particularconstruction is described in greater detail in the aforementioned,incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,687. Irrespective of whether top wall56 has a top gusset 100 or not, accessory window 98 permits at least aportion of the contents therein, such as training pants 10, to bevisually perceived. Accessory window 98 can be positioned ormanufactured in any of the walls of bag 50, but it is desired that it isin top wall 56, so that the user can determine the number of trainingpants 10 remaining in bag 50. It will be noticed that there is a seal104 in top wall 56 which is associated with the manufacturing of topgusset 100, as well as a similar seal in bottom gusset 102. Accessorywindow 98 is not required to be in the particular wall having a gusset.As with window 88, accessory window 98 can be either clear orsubstantially clear, and may include copy as long as that does notinterfere with the desired purpose of accessory window 98. If desired,accessory window 98 can also be used to draw the attention of thepurchaser, user, or the like, to window 88 and graphic 38. Accessorywindow 98 can take any shape, design, or form that is aestheticallypleasing and/or that provides a means to draw attention to window 88.FIG. 9 illustrates accessory window 98 in top wall 56, while FIG. 8illustrates a modification thereto in which accessory window 98 extendsto the extremities or ends of top wall 56 that are adjacent orcontiguous with end walls 52.

[0043] The present invention contemplates various features asrepresented in the drawings. In FIG. 5, all of bag 50 is made of aclear, or substantially clear, material, so that most, if not all, ofthe individual training pants 10 can be visible. However, it may benecessary to include some copy material, and to that extent, most oftraining pants 10 will be visible. FIG. 6 illustrates a bag 50 in whichwindow 88 is positioned completely within the periphery of end wall 52.Copy material 92 is illustrated, but may be eliminated if desired.Again, window 88 may be clear or substantially clear.

[0044]FIG. 7 illustrates another variation in which end wall 52 iscompletely clear, or substantially clear, so that all of the frontportion of training pant 10 is illustrated, such as front waist elastic26 and at least a portion of graphic 38.

[0045]FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a wraparound window 106 in bag 50. InFIG. 11, window 106 substantially wraps around four walls of bag 50,specifically end walls 52 and side walls 54. The term “substantiallywraps around” means that window 106 may not be continuous around bag 50due to manufacturing or sealing requirements. However, it is desiredthat window 106 should continuously wrap around bag 50. The wraparoundwindow 106 also serves to identify the remaining training pants 10 inbag 50. In FIG. 12, window 106 substantially wraps around end walls 52,top wall 56, and bottom wall 58.

[0046] While this invention has been described as having a preferredembodiment, it will be understood that it is capable of furthermodifications. It is therefore intended to cover any variations,equivalents, uses, or adaptations of the invention following the generalprinciples thereof, and including such departures from the presentdisclosure as come or may come within known or customary practice in theart to which this invention pertains and falls within the limits of theappended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A packaging bag, comprising: a pair of side walls, apair of end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall; said walls defining aninterior space, a stack of articles contained in said interior space,each one of said articles comprising a front panel and a back panel, agraphic on one of said panels of each said article, a window in one ofsaid walls and having a periphery, said periphery substantially framingat least a portion of said graphic, and means for accessing saidinterior space for dispensing said articles.
 2. The bag claim 1 furthercomprising: a second window in another of said walls and having aperiphery, and a graphic on the other of said panels of each saidarticle, said periphery of said second window substantially framing atleast a portion of said graphic on said other panel.
 3. The bag of claim1 further comprising a visual cue on another of said walls andpositioned thereon to be visually associated with said window.
 4. Thebag of claim 3 wherein said one wall comprises a wall periphery, saidwall periphery and said periphery of said window being substantiallysimilar.
 5. The bag of claim 1 wherein said accessing means is afrangible line.
 6. The bag of claim 1 wherein said window substantiallywraps around selected ones of said walls.
 7. The bag of claim 3 whereinsaid visual cue is least substantially clear.
 8. A packaging bag,comprising: a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall and abottom wall, said walls defining an interior space, a stack of articlescontained in said interior space, each f said articles including acomponent, and a window substantially wrapping around four of saidwalls, at least a segment of said component being visually perceivablethrough said window.
 9. The bag of claim 8 further comprising a visualcue in another of said walls, said visual cue being at leastsubstantially clear.
 10. The bag of claim 8 further comprising anaccessory window in another of said walls that is different from saidfour walls.
 11. A packaging bag, comprising: a plurality of wallsforming a polyhedral enclosure having an interior space, a stack ofarticles contained in said interior space, a component associated witheach one of said articles, and at least portion of one of said wallsbeing at least substantially clear, said stack of articles beingpositioned in said interior space so that at least a segment of saidcomponent is visually perceivable through said at least substantiallyclear portion of said one wall.
 12. The bag of claim 11 whereinsubstantially all of said one wall is at least substantially clear. 13.The bag of claim 12 herein said one wall is clear.
 14. The bag of claim11 further comprising a visual cue on another of said walls andpositioned thereon to be visually associated with said portion of saidone wall.
 15. The bag of claim 11 wherein id portion substantially wrapsaround said enclosure.
 16. The bag of claim 11 further comprising anaccessory window in another of said walls.
 17. A packaging bag,comprising: a substantially transparent enclosure defined by a pluralityof sides forming an interior space, a stack of articles contained insaid interior space, each said article comprising a front panel and aback panel, at least one of said panels combing a graphic thereon, andmeans for accessing said interior space for dispensing said article.